The game that created a console skating
phenomenon in the 90's has made a HD come back on XBox Live and the
PlayStation Network. Gamers can once again become Tony Hawk as they
engage in a variety of challenges, stunts and time trials in order to
become the best damn skater in the world. Of course this is Tony Hawk
we're talking about and he's already done this but now it's time for the
player as you do grinds, flips and other amazing tricks off the
half-pipe.

So why does Tony Hawk Pro Skater get a HD
makeover? Considering that back in its day, this was the best skating
game ever made, it's easy to see why Activision wanted to reboot the
franchise on XBox Live. The first thing you notice about the game are
the lush HD graphics that look quite exceptional on the XBox 360. If the
game does look a little similar, that's because the title takes levels
from both Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 and 2 to create this HD hybrid.

The environments are well modelled and our
favourite skater looks virtually impressive. Movements also look
realistic, whether you're performing a stunt or landing hard on the
floor, it looks just like it would in real-life. Controls have been
updated for the XBox 360 so don't expect to be playing a PlayStation 2
game as everything feels just right on the 360 controller.

Gaming mechanics are equally as good and
quite responsive on the XBox 360 as you attempt to perform a variety of
challenges in order to proceed to the next level. The most difficult
aspect of Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD is the time limit which sometimes
creates rage control, especially if you have had a bad run of tricks.
Fortunately as the time limits are quite small, starting again generally
proves no problem... unless you cannot get that allusive "K" in the word
SKATE. Needless to say, it's great stringing all these tricks together
to get your points built up.

As mentioned, the graphics look exceptional
on the 360, however this "remake" has omitted several of our favourite
skaters such as Chad Muska. There's also no character editor but if you
want a pure skating game and one that is quite affordably priced than
this game is it. There is even an online component with Graffiti and
Trick plus a new mode called Big Head Elimination which requires you to
score points as quickly as possible in order to prevent your head from
blowing up.

The music score of Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD
is thumping, however it is unfortunately a little too repetitive as it
has a smaller track listing. Sound effects work well with the graphics
and gameplay, although it does take a back seat to the gameplay. But
hey, when you hear Goldfinger's Superman again, you know that you are
home again.

Tony Hawk Pro Skater is a great skate down
memory lane that will hopefully lead this franchise to a much needed
reboot. Not only does this HD edition provide a sturdy gaming engine but
it modernises one of the world's best skating games on modern consoles.
It's worth every penny!